In 1985, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) was co-founded by Carol Sedestrom Ross, then president of American Craft Enterprises, and glassblower Josh Simpson. They recognized the inherent generosity within the craft community, often demonstrated when artists would “pass the hat” to collect funds during shows and exhibitions to support fellow artists experiencing emergencies.

Over the years, this grassroots effort was expanded through the leadership of long-time Executive Director Cornelia Carey to include funding for readiness activities, in-kind equipment support, and advocacy for better access to resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). We developed educational materials and launched the Studio Protector, a collection of online resources to guide artists on how to safeguard their workspaces and studios. 

Carey retired in 2022, and with the new leadership of Executive Director Ruby Lopez Harper, the organization became a fully remote organization, reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing our ability to be climate-conscious in operations.  Spread across the country, our staff and board can engage in local communities throughout the US and Puerto Rico.  We are expanding our commitment to being a participatory organization, inclusive and equitable, ensuring that resources are distributed to the artists who need them most.